Mary Catharine Barger

Mary Catharine Barger of Allen, Texas passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026 at the age of 90 with her family by her side. She was born to John George and Annie Catharine (Poynter) Rothfus on October 9, 1935, in Carrollton, Texas. She married the love of her life, Otis Clarence Barger on September 3, 1955.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Lisa and husband Joe Durdin, Amy and husband Rick Nelson, four grandchildren, Justin and wife Emily McCann, Jesse and wife Daesha Keller, Lindsay and husband Rowdy Vaquera, and Mason and wife Anna Keller, and five siblings, Johnny Rothfus, David and wife Joyce Rothfus, Martha Boyd, Virginia McKissick, and Jerry Lynn and husband Jerry Edwards. She also leaves behind an extensive extended family including 10 great grandchildren (plus one on the way), many nieces, nephews and greats, several bonus grandchildren/great grandchildren, and her beloved group of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Otis Clarence Barger, her parents, five siblings, Anna Lou Gentle, Clara Hensley, Dollie Kissinger, Elizabeth Reeves, and Bill Rothfus, her son-in-law Terry McCann, multiple in-laws and several dear friends.

Mary grew up and attended schools in Prosper, Texas where she was valedictorian of her class, enjoyed playing basketball among other activities, and is where she met Clarence. Mary and Clarence moved to California shortly after they married, where both daughters were born. They returned to Texas in the mid-60s, first in Celina and eventually made Allen their home in 1968. She spent her career as the school secretary for Allen Elementary and later Rountree Elementary. She retired from the Allen school district in 2001 but remained active in several school and retiree organizations.

Mary was a longtime member of the First Christian Church in Plano, Texas. Throughout her life she enjoyed various activities from sewing, art, reading, baking, dining out, and playing bunko and Mexican train with friends. She thoughtfully and lovingly kept family memories alive by creating and gifting precious items to her closest loved ones. She was a dedicated Dallas Mavericks fan and watched their games whenever possible, even getting to enjoy a Mavs game in person with some of her grandkids, a cherished memory. Family was always an important part of her life, from visiting her parents and in-laws most Sundays after church, to helping with and hosting various family reunions and ice cream socials, and keeping abreast of her grands and great grands’ daily achievements. She enjoyed traveling with her husband including their trip of a lifetime to Hawaii in celebration of their 35th wedding anniversary. Later she enjoyed many “girls’ trips” with her friend’s group and with her daughters, with her last trip being to Branson Missouri, in celebration of her 90th birthday.

A memorial service for Mary will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the First Christian Church in Plano, Texas. Followed by a time to visit with the family and friends.

In lieu of flowers and plants, please consider donating in her name to the First Christian Church Plano, All Community Outreach (links below) or any charitable organization of your choosing.

Giving and Donations - https://fccplano.org/give.html

Donate - All Community Outreach https://www.acocares.org/donate/